U.S. patent application number 11/611676 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for airbag arrangement and tools.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAKATA-PETRI AG. Invention is credited to Peter Baumgartner, Heinrich Einsiedel, Oliver Glockler, Ralf Gutmann.
Application Number | 20070158931 11/611676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38232090 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baumgartner; Peter ; et
al. |
July 12, 2007 |
AIRBAG ARRANGEMENT AND TOOLS
Abstract
A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing
element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches
a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the
support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on
element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a
side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the
support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of
the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support
wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element.
The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element
to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the
opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in
conjunction with the fixing element.
Inventors: |
Baumgartner; Peter;
(Gunzburg, DE) ; Einsiedel; Heinrich; (Ulm,
DE) ; Gutmann; Ralf; (Ulm, DE) ; Glockler;
Oliver; (Nersingen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
TAKATA-PETRI AG
|
Family ID: |
38232090 |
Appl. No.: |
11/611676 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/DE05/01508 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
|
|
|
11611676 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/728.2 ;
403/294 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/553 20150115;
Y10T 24/303 20150115; B60R 21/213 20130101; F16B 21/08 20130101;
Y10T 24/44026 20150115; B60R 21/217 20130101; Y10T 24/42 20150115;
B60R 21/20 20130101; Y10T 24/304 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/728.2 ;
403/294 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/217 20060101
B60R021/217; F16B 12/36 20060101 F16B012/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 6, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 014 219.8 |
Dec 16, 2005 |
DE |
20 2005 019 867.6 |
Jan 17, 2006 |
DE |
20 2006 000 846.2 |
Claims
1. A fixing element to fix a part to a support wall by inserting
the fixing element into an opening in the support wall, wherein the
fixing element is configured such that when the fixing element is
inserted into the opening and reaches a predetermined end position,
the fixing element locks to the support wall such that the fixing
element is prevented from being pulled out of the opening, the
fixing element comprising: a stop element, the stop element bears
against an outer side of the support wall when the fixing element
is locked to the support wall; a snap-on element, the snap-on
element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the
fixing element is locked to the support wall, the inner side facing
away from the part to be fixed; and an unlocking element connected
to the snap-on element, the unlocking element being accessible from
the outer side of the support wall, the unlocking element
configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the
fixing element to be removed from the opening.
2. The fixing element according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking
element reaches through the opening.
3. The fixing element according to claim 1, wherein the snap-on
element has a baseplate with two parallel or at least approximately
parallel side edges, and in that a retaining plate is attached in
each case to each of these two side edges and is used to retain the
fixing element on the support wall.
4. The fixing element according to claim 3, wherein the distance of
the two retaining plates from each other increases with increasing
distance from the baseplate, the distance between the retaining
plates at their end facing away from the baseplate being greater
than the distance between the associated opening edges of the
opening in the support wall.
5. The fixing element according to of claim 3, wherein the
retaining plates are of resilient design and can be pressed
together in such a manner that, when the fixing element is
introduced into the opening, the distance between the retaining
plates can be reduced by the effect of the opening edges of the
opening in such a manner that said distance corresponds to the
distance between the opening edges.
6. The fixing element according to claim 3, wherein there are two
unlocking elements of which one interacts with the one retaining
plate and the other interacts with the other retaining plate.
7. The fixing element according to claim 6, wherein the unlocking
elements are in each case attached to that end of the respective
retaining plate which faces away from the baseplate.
8. The fixing element according to claim 6, wherein the unlocking
elements are connected integrally to their respectively assigned
retaining plate.
9. The fixing element according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking
elements are actuated by being pressed together in relation to each
other.
10. The fixing element according to claim 3 , wherein the baseplate
is of square or rectangular, at least of substantially square or
substantially rectangular, design, and has a further pair of side
edges which are in each case perpendicular to the side edges with
the retaining plates originating therefrom, and which run parallel
to each other.
11. The fixing element according to claim 10, wherein a connecting
plate is arranged in each case on each of the two side edges of the
further pair of side edges.
12. The fixing element according to claim 11, wherein the stop
element has two stop plates of which one is connected to the one
connecting plate and the other is connected to the other connecting
plate.
13. The fixing element according to claim 12, wherein the
connecting plates are in each case connected integrally to the
associated stop plate.
14. The fixing element according to claim 13, wherein the stop
plates are angled in such a manner that they bear resiliently
against the outside of the support wall when the fixing element is
retained in place.
15. The fixing element according to claim 14, wherein the stop
plates each have a partial plate which runs parallel to the support
wall, and have a further partial plate which is angled in relation
to the parallel partial plate.
16. The fixing element according to claim 15, wherein the parallel
partial plate in each case connects the angled partial plate to the
associated connecting plate.
17. The fixing element according to claim 1, wherein the fixing
element is formed as a single piece, preferably from metal or
plastic.
18-41. (canceled)
42. An airbag arrangement for a vehicle restraint system with at
least one inflatable airbag and at least one fixing element for
fastening the airbag to a vehicle body, the fixing element reaching
through a fastening opening of the airbag, the airbag arrangement
further comprising an anti-twist protection which is distinct from
the airbag and which prevents the fixing element from twisting in
the fastening opening before the airbag is fastened to the vehicle
body.
43. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
anti-twist protection has an opening through which the fixing
element reaches and which is designed in such a manner that the
fixing element cannot be twisted in it.
44. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
anti-twist protection is connected to the airbag.
45. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
airbag is formed from material layers sewn to one another by
mechanism of a circumferential seam and the anti-twist protection
is sewn on to the airbag by mechanism of the circumferential
seam.
46. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
airbag has a fastening tab in which the fastening opening through
which the fixing element reaches is arranged.
47. The airbag arrangement according to claim 46, wherein the
anti-twist protection is connected to the fastening tab.
48. The airbag arrangement according to claim 47, wherein the
anti-twist protection is arranged at least in some sections between
two material layers of the fastening tab.
49. The airbag arrangement according to claim 47, further
comprising a pocket which is formed by material layers of the
fastening tab and into which at least some sections of the
anti-twist protection are pushed.
50. The airbag arrangement according to claim 47, wherein the
fastening tab is formed by folding over the free end of a tab
formed on the airbag, and the anti-twist protection is arranged
between the folded-over and not folded-over sections of the
tab.
51. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
anti-twist protection has a section which can be folded over onto
the head of the fixing element.
52. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
anti-twist protection protrudes out of the fastening tab with a
section and this section can be folded over onto the head of the
fixing element.
53. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
anti-twist protection additionally forms a holder for holding the
folded airbag.
54. The airbag arrangement according to claim 53, wherein the
anti-twist protection has two parts which are connected rotatably
to each other at one end in each case and the free ends of which
are folded onto each other and connected in such a manner that the
folded airbag is embraced by the two parts.
55. The airbag arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the
fixing element is configured such that when the fixing element is
inserted into the opening and reaches a predetermined end position,
the fixing element locks to the support wall such that the fixing
element is prevented from being pulled out of the opening, the
fixing element comprising: a stop element, the stop element bears
against an outer side of the support wall when the fixing element
is locked to the support wall; a snap-on element, the snap-on
element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the
fixing element is locked to the support wall, the inner side facing
away from the part to be fixed; and an unlocking element connected
to the snap-on element, the unlocking element being accessible from
the outer side of the support wall, the unlocking element
configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the
fixing element to be removed from the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of International
Application PCT/DE 2005/001508, which has an international filing
date of Aug. 25, 2005; this International Application was not
published in English, but was published in German as WO
2006/026956, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates to a fixing element, to an
installation tool for installing a fixing element, and to a testing
tool for testing the installation of the fixing element. The
invention further relates to an airbag arrangement for a vehicle
restraint system including a fixing element.
[0003] A fixing element is disclosed in the published specification
for international patent application WO 02/28690 A1, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This fixing
element is formed by a fixing clip with which an airbag, as the
part which is to be fixed, can be fixed to the outside of a support
wall, for example a body part of a vehicle. In specific terms, the
fixing clip for fixing is latched in an opening in the support
wall. For this purpose, the fixing clip is designed in such a
manner that it can be inserted into the opening in the support wall
and reaches through the latter, a lock occurring when a
predetermined end position is reached upon insertion of the fixing
clip, so that the fixing clip is prevented from being pulled out of
the opening in the support wall. For the locking, the fixing clip
has a snap-on element and a stop element. In the locked state of
the fixing element, the stop element bears against the outside of
the support wall. The "outside" of the support wall is understood
here as meaning that side on which the part which is to be fixed,
i.e. the airbag, is located. The snap-on element is located on the
other wall side of the support wall, i.e. on the rear side of the
support wall, which side faces away from the airbag, the snap-on
element bearing against the rear side of the support wall in order
to lock the fixing element.
[0004] Fixing elements for producing a clip connection are known
from the prior art. Fixing elements of this type are generally
arranged in a receiving opening and have latching elements via
which they can be latched to the receiving opening. For example,
fixing elements are used for fastening elements of a vehicle
occupant restraint system in the vehicle interior (airbag clips).
In this case, in particular, airbags or parts of an airbag module
are connected to parts of the vehicle body via the fixing
element.
[0005] An airbag clip for fastening airbags to part of the vehicle
body is known, for example, from the document US 2005/0225061 A1,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This
airbag clip has a clip-like side which can be introduced into a
receiving opening of a vehicle part until it latches in the
receiving opening. For the installation of an airbag, the airbag
clip is guided through fastening openings of the airbag and the
clip is then latched in a receiving opening of a body part or of a
retaining element connected to the vehicle body. The insertion and
latching of the airbag clip take place, for example, by hand.
[0006] Furthermore, the patent publication DE 32 12 160 A1 (which
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) discloses an
installation tool onto which a plurality of fixing elements can be
placed and the fixing elements can then be introduced and latched
successively in different receiving openings with the aid of the
installation tool.
[0007] Airbags of vehicle restraint systems may be fastened to a
vehicle body or a holding element connected to the vehicle body via
a clip connection. For this purpose, the airbags may have, inter
alia, fastening openings through which a fastening clip (fixing
element) is guided, the fastening clip latching into corresponding
receiving openings of the vehicle body or of the holding element
and therefore fixing the airbag.
[0008] In order to permit rapid installation of an airbag, the
fastening clips are frequently already inserted into the fastening
openings of the airbag before the airbag is installed on the
vehicle body. To install the airbag, the fastening clips then just
have to be pressed into the corresponding receiving openings in the
vehicle body.
SUMMARY
[0009] One exemplary embodiment relates to a fixing element to fix
a part to a support wall by inserting the fixing element into an
opening in the support wall. The fixing element is configured such
that when the fixing element is inserted into the opening and
reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to
the support wall such that the fixing element is prevented from
being pulled out of the opening. The fixing element comprises a
stop element. The stop element bears against an outer side of the
support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall.
The fixing element also comprises a snap-on element. The snap-on
element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the
fixing element is locked to the support wall, the inner side facing
away from the part to be fixed. The fixing element also includes an
unlocking element connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking
element is accessible from the outer side of the support wall. The
unlocking element permits the snap-on element to be unlocked and
the fixing element to be removed from the opening.
[0010] Another embodiment provides an installation tool for
installing a fixing element in a receiving opening of a holding
element. The installation tool comprises a guide shank to introduce
the fixing element into the receiving opening. The guide shank has
a structure which prevents the guide shank from being released from
the fixing element if the fixing element is not secured in the
receiving opening.
[0011] Yet another embodiment provides a testing tool for testing
an installation of a fixing element installed with an installation
tool on a holding element. The testing tool comprises a testing
mechanism for checking a position of the fixing element with regard
to the holding element. The installation tool includes a guide
shank to introduce the fixing element into the receiving opening,
and the guide shank has a structure which prevents the guide shank
from being released from the fixing element if the fixing element
is not secured in the receiving opening.
[0012] Another exemplary embodiment relates to an airbag
arrangement for a vehicle restraint system. The airbag arrangement
includes at least one inflatable airbag and at least one fixing
element for fastening the airbag to a vehicle body. The fixing
element reaches through a fastening opening of the airbag. The
airbag arrangement further comprises an anti-twist protection which
is distinct from the airbag and which prevents the fixing element
from twisting in the fastening opening before the airbag is
fastened to the vehicle body.
[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary
embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described
below.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a fixing
element according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fixing
element of FIG. 1 after it is fixed to a support wall.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the fixing element of FIG. 1 when fixed
to a support wall.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates the fixing element of FIG. 1 when used
for fixing a part to a support wall.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an additional view of the fixing element of FIG. 1
when used for fixing a part to a support wall.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an additional view of the fixing element of FIG. 1
when used for fixing a part to a support wall.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an additional view of the fixing element of FIG. 1
when used for fixing a part to a support wall.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an additional view of the fixing element of FIG. 1
when used for fixing a part to a support wall.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of an airbag module
which is fixed to a vehicle body by the fixing element.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an additional view of the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an additional view of the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an additional view of the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an additional view of the embodiment of FIG.
9.
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional illustration of an
embodiment of an installation tool.
[0029] FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of the installation tool
during the installation of a fixing element.
[0030] FIG. 15b shows the installation tool after securing of the
fixing element.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a sectional illustration of an embodiment of a
testing tool.
[0032] FIG. 17a is a sectional illustration of a second embodiment
of the testing tool.
[0033] FIG. 17b is a sectional illustration of a third embodiment
of the testing tool.
[0034] FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate perspective views of further
modifications of the testing tool.
[0035] FIG. 19a shows a fastening tab of an airbag which is
connected to a holding element via a fastening clip.
[0036] FIG. 19b shows the components of the airbag arrangement of
FIG. 19a.
[0037] FIGS. 20a and 20b show an airbag arrangement analogous to
the airbag arrangement of FIGS. 19a and 19b with anti-twist
protection which additionally has a tab which can be folded over
onto the head of the fastening clip.
[0038] FIG. 21 a shows a second variant of the airbag arrangement
according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 21b shows the components of the airbag arrangement of
FIG. 21a.
[0040] FIGS. 22a and 22b show a second variant of the airbag
arrangement with anti-twist protection which additionally has a tab
which can be folded over onto the fastening clip.
[0041] FIG. 23a shows a third variant of the airbag
arrangement.
[0042] FIGS. 23b and 23c illustrate the parts of the third variant
of the airbag arrangement.
[0043] FIGS. 24a-24c show an arrangement analogous to the third
variant of the airbag arrangement with anti-twist protection which
has a tab which can be folded over onto the fastening clip.
[0044] FIG. 25a shows a fourth variant of the airbag
arrangement.
[0045] FIG. 25b is a further illustration of the fourth variant of
the airbag arrangement.
[0046] FIGS. 26a and 26b show an arrangement analogous to the
fourth variant of the airbag arrangement with anti-twist protection
which can be folded over in some sections on to the head of the
fastening clip.
[0047] FIG. 27a shows schematically the plan view of a fastening
tab and anti-twist protection which is sewn onto an airbag.
[0048] FIG. 27b shows schematically the plan view of a fastening
tab onto which anti-twist protection is sewn.
[0049] FIGS. 28a and 28b show views of a holder for holding a
folded airbag.
[0050] FIG. 29 shows a modification of the holder for holding a
folded airbag.
[0051] FIGS. 30 illustrates another variant of a holder for holding
a folded airbag.
[0052] FIG. 31 illustrates another variant of a holder for holding
a folded airbag.
[0053] FIG. 32 illustrates another variant of a holder for holding
a folded airbag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] It is an object to provide a fixing element which can be
easily handled and installed.
[0055] According to a first aspect, an unlocking element is
connected to a snap-on element of a fixing element in such a manner
that it is accessible from the outside and permits the
snap-on-element to be unlocked and therefore the fixing element to
be pulled out of the opening.
[0056] The fixing element can readily be released again from the
opening in the support wall by the unlocking element being
correspondingly actuated. The fixing element permits very simple
handling, since it can be used both to fix parts to a support wall
in a simple manner and also to release them again in a simple
manner.
[0057] By use of the unlocking element, the fixing element can be
released from the support without it being damaged in the process.
The fixing element according to an embodiment can therefore be
repeatedly used.
[0058] According to one embodiment the fixing element can be
installed by a pure "clipping operation". Screws or the like are
not required for the installation of the fixing element; no threads
or other measures have to be provided in the opening in the support
wall either.
[0059] The unlocking element can be actuated in a particularly
simple and therefore advantageous manner if it reaches through the
opening in the support wall and can therefore be actuated directly
from the outside.
[0060] The snap-on element has a baseplate with two parallel or at
least approximately parallel side edges, with a retaining plate
being attached in each case to each of these two side edges and
being used to retain the fixing element on the support wall. The
distance of the retaining plates from each other can increase with
increasing distance from the baseplate, the distance between the
side walls being greater at their end facing away from the
baseplate than the distance between the associated opening edges of
the opening in the support wall. The snap-on element is therefore
approximately U- or V-shaped in cross section, with the two
retaining plates forming the side parts of the U or of the V.
[0061] The retaining plates can have a resilient design and can be
pressed together in such a manner that, when the fixing element is
introduced into the opening in the support wall, the distance
between the retaining plates is reduced by the effect of the
opening edges of the opening in such a manner that the distance
between the retaining plates corresponds to the distance between
the opening holes; the two retaining plates can therefore be pushed
through the opening in the support wall.
[0062] In the case of a snap-on element with two retaining plates,
there are two unlocking elements of which one interacts with the
one retaining plate and the other with the other retaining plate.
The two retaining plates can therefore be actuated by the two
unlocking elements, thus facilitating unlocking of the fixing
element.
[0063] The unlocking elements can be formed, for example, by tabs
or angled parts which are attached to that end of the respective
retaining plate which faces away from the baseplate, or any other
suitable mechanism. The unlocking elements can be connected
integrally to their respectively assigned retaining plate.
[0064] The unlocking elements are arranged on the retaining plates
in such a manner that actuation of the unlocking elements can take
place by the unlocking elements being pressed together in relation
to each other.
[0065] The baseplate of the snap-on element can be of square or
rectangular design, or at least of substantially square or
substantially rectangular design. In this case, the baseplate has a
further pair of side edges which are in each case perpendicular to
the side edges with the retaining plates originating therefrom, and
which run parallel to each another. A connecting plate is arranged
in each case on each of the two side edges of this further pair of
side edges. These connecting plates can serve, for example, to hold
stop plates of the stop element already mentioned above.
[0066] The stop element has two stop plates of which one is
connected to the one connecting plate and the other is connected to
the other connecting plate. The connecting plates and their
associated stop plates can in each case be connected integrally to
one another.
[0067] The stop plates can have an angled design, so that they bear
resiliently against the outside of the support wall--i.e. on the
outside of the support wall--when the fixing element is retained in
place.
[0068] The angled stop plates can each have, for example, a partial
plate which runs parallel to the support wall and to the baseplate
of the fixing element, and a further partial plate which is angled
in relation to the parallel partial plate. The partial plate, which
is parallel to the baseplate, serves to connect the angled partial
plate to the associated connecting plate.
[0069] The fixing element can be, according to an embodiment, a
single-piece clip, preferably of metal or plastic. The fixing
element can be formed, for example, by a single-piece punched and
bent part of metal.
[0070] The unlocking elements are designed in such a manner that
they can be released without a special tool. Furthermore, the
fixing element can be designed to be secure against rotation; this
means that it cannot be rotated in the opening in the support
wall.
[0071] Furthermore, an embodiment includes an arrangement which has
the fixing element already described above and an airbag module
which is connected thereto and is fixed to or in a vehicle by the
fixing element. The airbag module can be, for example, a side
airbag module.
[0072] In another embodiment, an installation tool is provided with
which a fixing element can be installed in a receiving opening
arranged in a holding element. The installation tool comprises a
guide shank for introducing the fixing element into the receiving
opening. In this case, the guide shank has a structure which
prevents the guide shank from being released from the fixing
element if the fixing element is not secured in the receiving
opening.
[0073] The installation tool can therefore only be pulled out of
the fixing element to be installed if the latter is fixedly
connected to the holding element. This avoids the installation tool
being removed from the fixing element if the latter is not yet or
is not yet completely secured in the receiving opening. It is
therefore ensured that, with the installation tool, a fixing
element is installed in such a manner that the latter is secured by
its securing structures on the receiving opening and it is not, for
example, merely other regions of the fixing element which are
jammed in the receiving opening.
[0074] The receiving opening is arranged in a holding element. The
holding element here may be any desired part on which a further
part is to be fastened. For example, the holding element may be
part of a vehicle body or another sheet-metal part.
[0075] A fixing element, for example for fastening an airbag to a
vehicle part, has, as securing structures, latching hooks which can
latch with the edge of a receiving opening. The latching hooks are
arranged, for example, at the ends of elastic latching arms. The
latching arms can be connected at one end to a closed end of the
fixing element, which end is introduced into a receiving opening
during the fastening of the fixing element.
[0076] When a fixing element of this type is installed, it is
introduced into the receiving opening until the latching hooks
latch against the edge of the receiving opening. Incorrect
installation could arise, for example, by the elastic arms of the
fixing element becoming jammed with the receiving opening before
the latching hooks are correctly secured. The fixing element would
thereby already experience a certain amount of grip, which could
falsely be considered to be the correct installation position in
particular if the fixing element is installed manually or if it is
installed using a conventional tool.
[0077] By contrast, with the installation tool, the latter cannot
be removed from the fixing element if the fixing element has simply
jammed in the receiving opening. Removal, i.e. pulling of the
installation tool out of the fixing element, is only possible if
the fixing element is actually correctly latched at its latching
hooks to the receiving opening.
[0078] The fixing element which can be fastened to the installation
tool according to an embodiment can be, as mentioned, an airbag
clip for fastening an airbag or other parts of an airbag module.
The holding element in which an airbag clip of this type is
fastened is, for example, part of a vehicle body or a part
connected to the vehicle body.
[0079] Although a preferred use of the installation tool is the
installation of airbag clips for installing an airbag, the
installation tool is not restricted to this use and it can likewise
be provided for the purpose of being able to use it to install
other types of fixing elements. The only crucial factor is for the
tool to be designed in such a manner that it does not become
released from the clip before the latter is correctly
installed.
[0080] In an advantageous manner, the guide shank of the
installation tool has a cut-out or a tapered portion. In this case,
the cut-out or tapered portion is designed in such a manner that,
when the fixing element is introduced into the receiving opening
with the aid of the installation tool, a section of the fixing
element engages, before it is secured in the receiving opening, in
the cut-out or tapered portion and is only released again from the
cut-out or from the tapered portion when the fixing element is
secured.
[0081] In particular, the tapered portion or the cut-out can be
designed in such a manner that elastic arms of a fixing element, on
which latching elements are arranged, are pressed together when
introduced into a receiving opening, so that the free ends of the
clip arms engage in the cut-out or tapered portion of the guide
shank. The guide shank cannot therefore be removed from the fixing
element. Only when the fixing element is introduced into the
receiving opening to the extent such that the latching elements can
latch in the receiving opening do the arms of the fixing element
spread apart and release the guide shank of the installation
tool.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the installation tool has two
stops which are spaced apart from each other and are designed in
such a manner that the fixing element is secured if the stops
strike against the holding element. Simple and rapid installation
of the fixing element is therefore made possible, since the fixing
element is simply introduced by the installation tool into the
receiving opening until the stops strike against the holding
element.
[0083] At this instance, the fixing element latches in the
receiving opening. In this case, the stops have approximately
identical lengths and are shorter than the length of the guide
shank by the fitting depth of the fixing element. The fitting depth
of the fixing element is composed here, firstly, of the thickness
of the holding element and, secondly, of the distance of the closed
end of the fixing element from its latching element. The fixing
element is therefore latched in the receiving opening precisely at
the instant at which the stops strike against the holding
element.
[0084] The stops may be designed, for example, in the manner of a
pin. However, it is also possible to provide other shapes which can
be adapted, for instance, to a certain configuration of the holding
element.
[0085] A further function of the stops is to be prevent the fixing
element from being introduced too far into the receiving opening,
which would possibly lead to the fixing element being twisted or
pressed in too severely.
[0086] The stops can have feeling elements which generate a signal
when the stops strike against the holding element. The signal is
advantageously an optical, acoustic and/or electric signal.
Furthermore, the signal can be supplied to an evaluating device for
evaluation and storage. By this, a striking of the stops against
the holding element is clearly signalled, for instance by sound or
illumination of a light-emitting diode, and also can be documented.
For documentation purposes, the signal generated by the feeling
elements is transmitted to an evaluating device and stored, for
example, together with a date or a designation of the installation
fixing element.
[0087] For operation of the feeling elements and for evaluation of
the electric signals generated by the feeling elements, an
electronic switching circuit is advantageously arranged on the
installation tool. This switching circuit can be integrated, for
example, in the installation tool.
[0088] A preferred arrangement of the guide shank makes provision
for the latter to be arranged centrally between two stops. In this
case, the two stops may also be designed as a single piece;
however, this is not absolutely necessary. It is also possible for
the stops and the guide shank to be connected to one another as a
single piece.
[0089] When the stops are designed as a single piece, it is also
possible, for example, for an annular or hollow cylindrical stop to
be provided. In this case, sections of the ring or hollow cylinder
constitute the different stops. Furthermore, it should be noted
that, although one embodiment provides precisely two stops,
nevertheless variants of the installation tool having more than two
stops and being able to be adapted, for example, to complicated
shaped holding elements are also possible.
[0090] The stops and/or the guide shank may be formed from a metal.
Furthermore, however, different materials may also be provided for
the stops or the guide shank, for example, a plastics material.
[0091] Furthermore, the installation tool advantageously has a
testing mechanism. These testing mechanisms serve to check the
position of the installed fixing element with regard to the holding
element. In this case, the testing mechanisms generate a signal as
a function of the installation position of the fixing element. This
signal may advantageously be an optical, acoustic or an electric
signal.
[0092] Installation of the fixing element carried out by the
installation tool can be checked with these additionally arranged
testing mechanisms. In this case, for instance, a distance meter
can be provided as the testing mechanism and can be used to
determine the distance of a closed end, which lies opposite the
holding element, of the installed fixing element from the holding
element.
[0093] It can therefore be ascertained with the aid of the distance
meter whether the installed fixing element actually sits in the
correct installation position or, for example, is only wedged in
the fastening opening but is not actually latched into place on the
latching elements in the receiving opening. In such a case, the
fixing element would not have been introduced into the receiving
opening to a sufficient extent, and so the distance of the closed
end of the fixing element would be smaller in comparison to a
correctly installed fixing element. Consequently, by measuring the
distance of the closed end of the fixing element from the holding
element, the installation of the fixing element can be checked.
[0094] Analogously, pressing the fixing element too far into the
receiving opening could also be determined by the distance meter,
since in this case the distance of the closed end of the fixing
element from the holding element would be larger in comparison to
the correct installation position.
[0095] Additionally, a handle element is advantageously provided on
the installation tool and is connected to the stops and the guide
shank. With a handle element of this type, the installation tool
can be handled in a simple manner during the installation of the
fixing element. The handle element can be connected here, for
example, to a head part of the installation tool, on which the
stops and the guide shank are in turn fastened.
[0096] In another aspect, an installation tool for securing a
fixing element in a receiving opening is provided, the installation
tool likewise having a guide shank for introducing the fixing
element into the receiving opening. In addition, there are at least
two stops which are spaced apart from each other and are designed
and provided in such a manner that the fixing element is secured in
the receiving opening as soon as the stops strike against the
holding element.
[0097] In this variant, the guide shank does not necessarily have a
structure which prevents the installation tool from being pulled
prematurely out of the fixing element before the latter is secured.
The crucial factor in this variant of the installation tool is that
there are at least two stops. The installation tool is brought up
to the holding element as far as the stops. At the instant at which
the stops strike against the holding element, the fixing element is
secured in the receiving opening.
[0098] In yet another aspect, a testing tool is provided with which
the installation of a fixing element fastened to the previously
described installation tool can be checked. In this case, the
testing tool has a testing mechanism which serves to check the
position of the fixing element with regard to the holding element
in which the fixing element is installed.
[0099] With the testing tool, a device is provided which permits
retrospective checking of already installed fixing elements. The
clip fastening of components, for example of an airbag or parts of
an airbag module, can therefore be checked in a simple manner. The
position of the fixing element is checked here with regard to the
holding element, that is, for example the orientation or the
distance of the fixing element or of a component of the fixing
element in relation to the holding element is determined. The
result of this determination can then be compared, for example,
with the results which arise if the fixing element is installed
correctly.
[0100] In principle, the checking by the testing mechanism can take
place such that it is merely ascertained whether installation is
correct or not. However, it can also be provided that the testing
mechanism determines and indicate the type and/or the degree of the
erroneous installation.
[0101] The testing tool can have two stops which are spaced apart
from each other and are brought into contact with the holding
element during the testing of the installation. The testing tool
can be brought by use of the stops into a reproducible reference
position. Starting from this reference position, the result of the
testing operation can be compared with reference results. With
reference to this comparison, it can then be decided whether the
tested fixing element is in the correct installation position. For
example, the test result can be compared with the test result of a
fixing element which is known to be correctly installed.
[0102] The testing mechanisms advantageously have a testing shank
which can be introduced into the installed fixing element.
Furthermore, the testing advantageously additionally have feeling
elements which are arranged on the testing shank and on the stops
and generate a signal when striking the testing shank or the
stops.
[0103] In this case, the testing shank can be longer than the stops
by the amount of fitting depth of the fixing element. As a result,
the correct position of the installed fixing element can be checked
by monitoring the electric signals generated by the feeling
elements. The testing shank is introduced into the installed fixing
element until its feeling element is activated. If the fixing
element is installed correctly, at the same time as the feeling
element on the testing shank is activated, the feeling elements on
the stops are also activated. If, for example, only the feeling
element of the testing shank is activated or, in addition, only a
feeling element of one of the distance prongs, the position of the
installed fixing element is incorrect.
[0104] In a further preferred refinement, the testing mechanisms
alternatively or additionally comprise a distance meter with which
the distance of the closed end, which lies opposite the holding
element, of the installed fixing element from the holding element
can be determined. In this case, the distance meter can comprise,
for example, a pin mounted in a spring. The spring exerts a
restoring force on the pin. To check the position of the installed
fixing element, the pin is introduced into the installed fixing
element, so that it butts against the closed end of the fixing
element.
[0105] The testing tool is now brought further up to the holding
element until a reference position is reached. This reference
position can be achieved in an advantageous manner when stops
arranged on the testing tool strike against the holding element. In
this embodiment, the distance meter then determines the distance of
the closed end of the installed fixing element from the stops. It
can then be determined from this, with account being taken of the
fitting depth of a correctly installed fixing element, whether the
fixing element is correctly installed or, for example, has been
pressed in too far or not sufficiently far enough into the
receiving opening.
[0106] A further preferred variant of the testing mechanism makes
provision for the latter to comprise an optical sensor with which
the orientation of the closed end, which lies opposite the holding
element, of the installed fixing element relative to the holding
element can be determined. In particular, the optical sensor can
have a light-emitting and a light-receiving element. In this case,
a suitable light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting
diode or a laser.
[0107] A light-receiving element may be, for example, a photo
diode. These elements can be integrated in the testing tool or can
be arranged on a surface of a head part of the testing tool. A
testing tool with an optical sensor can also have stops with which
the testing tool can be brought into a reference position in
relation to the fixing element to be tested. In this case, the
testing tool is brought up to the holding element in which the
fixing element to be tested is arranged until the stops strike
against the holding element.
[0108] The optical sensor is now designed, for example, in such a
manner that the light emanating from the light-emitting element is
reflected at the closed end of the installed fixing element. If the
installed fixing element is a correctly installed fixing element,
the light is directed virtually entirely to the light-receiving
element. If, however, the fixing element is not correctly
installed, for example is sloping or is not deep enough in the
receiving opening, only some of the light or even no light is
directed to the light-receiving element.
[0109] Consequently, by evaluating the signal generated by the
light-receiving element, it can be decided whether the fixing
element is installed in the correct position. In addition, a more
extensive analysis of the light received by the light-receiving
element or of the electric signal generated in response to it can
be used to determine the degree of the erroneous installation or
the type of erroneous installation.
[0110] In a preferred manner, the testing mechanism generates a
signal as a function of the position of the installed fixing
element. The signal may advantageously be an optical, acoustic or
an electric signal. For example, the correct or else the incorrect
installation is therefore indicated by a corresponding optical or
acoustic signal. Furthermore, an electric signal can be generated
which indicates, for example, whether the fixing element is
correctly or incorrectly installed. The electric signal can in
particular be additionally transmitted to an evaluation unit in
which it can be stored and evaluated. The testing operation can be
documented by storing these electric signals. The evaluation unit
can be arranged externally. Alternatively, it is also possible to
integrate this evaluation unit together with an electronic
switching circuit, which serves to operate the testing mechanism,
in the testing tool, for example as an IC.
[0111] It is pointed out that the installation and the testing tool
are configured for installing and testing different kinds of fixing
elements. The installation and the testing tool can be used with a
fixing element described above in connection with the first
aspect.
[0112] In a further aspect, an airbag arrangement is provided for a
vehicle restraint system, the airbag arrangement having at least
one inflatable airbag and at least one fixing element for fastening
the airbag to a vehicle body. The fixing element reaches through a
fastening opening of the airbag. The airbag arrangement furthermore
has anti-twist protection which is distinct from the airbag and
prevents the fixing element from twisting in the fastening opening
before the airbag is fastened to the vehicle body.
[0113] With the anti-twist protection provided, it is avoided that
fixing elements which are prefitted in the fastening openings of
the airbag twist therein about their own axis before the actual
installation of the airbag. This permits particularly efficient
installation of the airbag on the vehicle body, since the prefitted
fixing elements are all arranged in the correct installation
position in the fastening openings of the airbag. If fixing
elements are prefitted without anti-twist protection, twisted
fixing elements, possibly before the installation, have firstly to
be rotated into the correct installation position which constitutes
an additional working step which is omitted by an embodiment.
[0114] It is pointed out that the airbag can be fastened indirectly
or directly to a vehicle body via the fixing element. In
particular, provision may be made for the airbag to be fitted on a
holding element which in turn is connected to the vehicle body. In
this case, the holding element has receiving openings into which
latching elements of the fixing element latch.
[0115] At its one end, a fixing element usually has latching
elements for latching in a receiving opening. In addition, on the
side opposite the latching elements, there is a widened head which
simplifies the pressing of the fixing element into a receiving
opening. In addition, the widened head clamps the airbag to the
vehicle body or to a holding element connected to the vehicle body
and thereby fixes it in the installation position.
[0116] The anti-twist protection can be designed in different ways,
for example, as a device which locks the head of the fixing element
in the installation position. Furthermore, it is possible for the
anti-twist protection to act on the latching elements of the fixing
element and, as a result a twisting of the fixing element in the
fastening opening is prevented. It is also possible that the
anti-twist protection acts on a section of the fixing element that
is situated between the latching elements and the clip head and, as
a result, the fixing element is fixed in a certain position.
[0117] In one embodiment, the anti-twist protection has an opening.
The anti-twist protection is arranged in such a manner that the
opening is aligned with the fastening opening of the airbag. In
this refinement, the fixing element therefore reaches both through
the fastening opening arranged in the airbag and through the
opening of the anti-twist protection. The opening of the anti-twist
protection is designed in such a manner that the fixing element
passed through it cannot be twisted in the opening, so that the
clip is held in position by the anti-twist protection and is
prevented from twisting in the fastening opening of the airbag.
[0118] For this purpose, the opening of the anti-twist protection
is designed in a sufficiently dimensionally stable manner such that
the clip does not unintentionally twist, for example, during
transportation or other handling of the prefitted airbag
arrangement. For this purpose, the edge of the opening may be
reinforced, for example by an additional material.
[0119] For this purpose, the opening has a shape corresponding to
the shape of the fixing element, for example, to the cross section
of that section of the fixing element which reaches through the
opening. In particular, the opening can be of rectangular design
preventing twisting of fixing elements which reach through the
opening of the anti-twist protection with a section which likewise
has an approximately rectangular cross section. This constitutes a
standard embodiment of a fixing element. The dimensions of the
rectangular opening in the anti-twist protection are selected in
such a manner that, although the clip can be passed through the
opening, it cannot be rotated therein.
[0120] It goes without saying that the opening in the anti-twist
protection does not necessarily have to be rectangular. Of
importance is that the type of opening prevents a twisting of the
fixing element in it. For this purpose, the opening is coordinated
with the design of the fixing element and may, for example, also be
of triangular or hexagonal design or designed in the form of
another polygon.
[0121] The anti-twist protection is advantageously connected to the
airbag, thus simplifying the preassembly of fixing element, airbag
and anti-twist protection. A connection of the anti-twist
protection to the airbag is possible in particular by it being sewn
onto the airbag by the circumferential seam thereof. The
circumferential seam of an airbag connects material layers of the
airbag and runs along the circumference of the airbag blank.
[0122] Of course, it is also possible for the anti-twist protection
to be sewn onto the airbag with the aid of a separate seam. In
order to produce a connection of anti-twist protection and airbag
by sewing, it is provided in particular that the anti-twist
protection is formed from a sheet-like material. This may be, for
example a textile fabric or a plastic. Further suitable materials
include cardboard or paper.
[0123] The airbag of the airbag arrangement has a fastening tab in
which the fastening opening for the passage of the fixing element
is arranged. This corresponds to a conventional configuration of an
airbag. The anti-twist protection is advantageously connected to
this fastening tab of the airbag. In this case, the anti-twist
protection can be sewn or adhesively bonded at least in some
sections to the fastening tab.
[0124] Analogously to the airbag, the fastening tab usually has
material layers. In this case, the anti-twist protection is
advantageously arranged at least in some sections between two
material layers of the fastening tab. The fastening tab is usually
provided directly in the airbag blank.
[0125] In one embodiment, the fastening tab has a pocket which is
formed by material layers of the fastening tab. At least some
sections of the anti-twist protection are pushed into this pocket.
In particular, in this connection, the anti-twist protection can
have an opening through which the fixing element is guided and
which prevents twisting of the same in the opening. In this case,
the anti-twist protection is pushed into the pocket of the
fastening tab until the opening of the anti-twist protection is
aligned with the fastening opening of the airbag.
[0126] A reinforced fastening tab is formed by a tab being formed
on the airbag, the free end of which tab is folded over. A
preferred variant of arranging the anti-twist protection on the
airbag is to arrange the anti-twist protection between the
folded-over and the not folded-over section of this tab. A fixing
of the anti-twist protection in this position can take place in
turn by sewing it or adhesively bonding it to the sections of the
tab.
[0127] In a particularly advantageous refinement, the anti-twist
protection has a section which can be folded over onto the head of
the fixing element. This constitutes a particular advantage, since,
with the aid of the section which can be folded over, the fixing
element can be pressed more easily into a receiving opening, for
example, of a vehicle body. This is particularly important, since
the pressing of the fixing elements into the receiving openings
frequently takes place by hand. By folding over a section of the
anti-twist protection on to the head of the fixing element, the
pressing in of the fixing element by hand is facilitated and
protects the installation person from injury. In particular, in the
case of fixing elements formed from metal, the fixing element has
sharp edges which may result in injury when pressing the clip in by
hand, this being avoided by folding over the section of the
anti-twist protection on to the head of the clip before
installation.
[0128] In particular, it can be provided that if the anti-twist
protection is arranged between material layers of the fastening
tab, a section of the anti-twist protection protrudes out of the
fastening tab, with it being possible for this section to then be
folded over onto the head of the fixing element.
[0129] Another embodiment comprises anti-twist protection which is
additionally designed as a holder for holding the folded airbag. By
use of the design as a holder, the folded airbag ("package") can be
held better in position in the fitted state. The anti-twist
protection in this case is formed in particular from a
dimensionally stable material, for example, from a metal or a
plastic. In particular, a plastic injection-moulded part is
suitable.
[0130] The anti-twist protection designed as a holder can have two
parts which are connected rotatably to each other at one end in
each case and the free ends of which are folded onto each other and
connected in such a manner that the folded airbag is embraced by
the two parts. The two parts of the anti-twist protection therefore
form a holder for the folded airbag. The function of preventing
twisting of the fixing element is provided, for example, by
structures additionally arranged on these two parts. In particular,
on one part an opening can be provided through which the fixing
element is guided and which is designed in such a manner that the
fixing element cannot twist in it.
[0131] In an advantageous manner the free ends of the two parts are
connected to each other via a clip connection. For this purpose,
the two parts have, for example, mutually corresponding connecting
structures.
[0132] The anti-twist protection is formed from a plastic or a
metal. As already mentioned, in this case, anti-twist protection
which is to additionally serve as a holder for a folded airbag is
formed from a dimensionally stable material. By contrast,
anti-twist protection which is to be connected fixedly to the
airbag can be formed from a sheet-like material, for example from a
textile fabric. This in particular also permits the anti-twist
protection to be sewn onto the airbag.
[0133] In a further embodiment, a holder is provided for holding a
folded airbag. The holder has an opening for the passage of a
fixing element via which the holder and an airbag held in the
holder can be fastened to a vehicle body. In this case, the opening
is designed in such a manner that twisting of a fixing element
guided through the fastening opening is prevented. With this
holder, preassembly of an airbag package is possible which can then
be fitted on the vehicle body in a particularly efficient manner,
since prefitted fixing elements cannot twist in the opening of the
holder.
[0134] For the preassembly, a fixing element is guided both through
the opening in the holder that serves as the anti-twist protection
and also through a fastening opening arranged in the airbag. An
airbag package prefitted in the holder is produced by simple
pressing of the fixing elements into correspondingly provided
receiving openings in the vehicle body or in a part connected to
the vehicle body.
[0135] The holder is formed in a dimensionally stable manner from a
plastic or a metal. Furthermore, a tab is advantageously provided
which can be folded over onto the head of a fixing element guided
through the opening. This provides protection for the fingers of
the installation person from injuries when pressing in the fixing
element. The tab can be connected to the holder, for example, via a
hinge. In the case of plastic parts, in particular made from a
plastic injection moulding, the tab may also be formed integrally
with the holder.
[0136] It is pointed out that the fixing element of the airbag
arrangement can be of any suited kind. The fixing element is a
fixing element as described above in connection with the first
aspect.
[0137] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a fixing element in the form of a
fixing clip 2. The fixing element 2 has a stop element 20 and a
snap-on element 30. The stop element 20 and the snap-on element 30
serve to fix the fixing element 2 to a support wall 40 which is
illustrated schematically in FIG. 3.
[0138] It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the fixing element 2, for the
purpose of being fixed to the support wall 40, is inserted through
an opening 50 in the support wall 40. In the process, the snap-on
element 30 reaches through the opening 50 in the support wall and
locks the fixing element 2 to the support wall 40 as soon as it has
been inserted to a sufficient depth.
[0139] In the locked state, the stop element 20 bears against the
"outside" 60 of the support wall 40; the "outside" is understood
below as meaning that side of the support wall 40 to which a part
which is to be fixed, for example an airbag or an airbag module, is
attached by the fixing element 2. On the other side 70 of the
support wall--called rear side 70 for short below--the snap-on
element 30 bears against the support wall 40 in such a manner that
it is not possible to pull the fixing element 2 out of the opening
50 or from the support wall 40.
[0140] The fixing of a part to be fixed to the support wall 40 by
the fixing element described is illustrated schematically in FIG.
4. The part to be fixed is identified by the reference number 80
and rests on the front side 60 of the support wall 40 and is
clamped to the support wall 40 by the stop element 20.
[0141] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the snap-on element 30 has a
baseplate 90 which is of substantially rectangular design. Two
retaining plates 120 and 130 are molded integrally onto two
parallel side edges 100 and 110 of the baseplate 90. The two
retaining plates 120 and 130 are at a distance from each other
which increases with increasing distance of the retaining plates
120 and 130 from the baseplate 90. As viewed in cross section, the
baseplate 90 in the two locking plates 120 and 130 are therefore
approximately V-shaped. The upper distance A between the two
retaining plates 120 and 130 is dimensioned in such a manner that
it is greater than the width B of the opening 50 in the support
wall 40. Thus, A>B.
[0142] The cross-sectional surface of the baseplate 90 is selected
in such a manner that it is smaller than or at maximum the same
size as the opening 50 in the support wall 40. It is therefore
possible first of all to readily insert the fixing element 2
together with the baseplate 90 into the opening 50. Upon such an
insertion of the fixing element 2 into the opening 50, the two
retaining plates 120 and 130 will butt against the two opening
edges 160 and 170, so that the two retaining plates 120 and 130,
which are held resiliently or elastically by the baseplate 90, are
bent together while the fixing element 2 is introduced into the
opening 50.
[0143] As soon as a predetermined end position is reached, in which
the two retaining plates 120 and 130 have passed completely through
the opening 50 in the support wall 40, the two retaining plates 120
and 130 will snap apart and therefore cause locking of the fixing
element 2 in the opening 50. The two retaining plates 120 and 130
therefore form a snap-on element and, owing to their distance A
from each other, prevent the fixing element 2 from being pulled out
of the opening 50.
[0144] While the fixing of the fixing element 2 on the rear side 70
of the support wall 40 is by the snap-on element 30, the locking of
the fixing element 2 on the front side 60 of the support wall 40 is
brought about by the stop element 20. For this purpose, the stop
element 20 has two stop plates 180 and 190 which, for the locking
of the fixing element 2, rest resiliently on the support wall
40.
[0145] In order to bring about this resilient resting on the
support wall 40, the two stop plates 180 and 190 are in each case
of angled design. The two stop plates each have a parallel partial
plate 200 and 210 running essentially parallel to the baseplate 90
of the fixing element 2 and parallel to the support wall 40.
Respective angled partial plates 220 and 230 are molded onto the
two parallel partial plates 200 and 210, to be precise, at a
predetermined angle. This angle is selected in such a manner that
the two angled partial plates 220 and 230 are oriented in the
direction of the support wall 40 and of the baseplate 90,
respectively. If the fixing element 2 is now inserted into the
opening 50, then the two angled partial plates 220 and 230 are
pushed against the front side 60 of the support wall 40 and
deflected resiliently until the two retaining plates 120 and 130
are guided completely through the opening 50, snap apart and
therefore lock the fixing element 2. The two angled partial plates
220 and 230 therefore bring about a fixed bearing of the fixing
element 2 against the support wall 40, thus preventing the fixing
element 2 on the support wall 40 from rattling.
[0146] It can readily be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2 that
the two angled partial plates 220 and 230 are respectively
connected to a connecting plate 240 and 241 by the two parallel
partial plates 200 and 210. In addition, the two connecting plates
240 and 241 are in each case connected to the baseplate 90, to be
precise, to parallel side edges 242 and 243 of the baseplate
90.
[0147] As can also be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, a respective unlocking
element in the form of a tab or an unlocking bracket 250 or 260 is
molded onto the two retaining plates 120 and 130. The two unlocking
brackets extend in each case from that end of the two retaining
plates 120 and 130 which faces away from the baseplate 90 through
the opening 50 on the support wall 40 to the front side 60 of the
support wall and are therefore immediately accessible from the
outside. By pressing the two unlocking elements 250 and 260
together--for example by hand or with a standard pair of pliers
--the two retaining plates 120 and 130 can be pressed together, so
that they are then at just a distance which corresponds to the
distance B between the two opening edges 160 and 170 of the opening
50. It is therefore possible to pull the fixing element 2 out of
the opening 50 and to remove the fixing element from the support
wall.
[0148] It can be seen in conjunction with FIG. 4 that, in order to
fix the part 80, the latter has a hole 300 through which the fixing
element 2 is completely passed by its snap-on element 30. The part
80 is therefore held by the two stop plates 180 and 190. The fixing
of the part 80 to the support wall 40 by the fixing element 2 is
shown once again in detail in a section in FIG. 5 and in a plan
view in FIG. 6.
[0149] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the unlocking of the fixing element 2 by
pressing together the two unlocking elements 250 and 260. The two
arrows 310 and 320 indicate how force has to be exerted on the two
unlocking elements 250 and 260 in order to arrive at them being
unlocked. The fixing element 2 is shown in FIG. 8 in its unlocked
position.
[0150] In conjunction with FIGS. 9 to 13, it will now be explained
how an airbag of an airbag module or the entire airbag module can
be fixed to a support, for example to a vehicle body, with the
fixing element 2. The airbag is therefore the "part to be fixed"
which is identified by the reference number 80 according to FIG.
4.
[0151] For the fixing, the airbag 80 has a tab 400 with a fixing
hole 300 through which the fixing element 2 is partially pushed.
The size of the fixing hole 300 is selected in such a manner that
only the snap-on element 30 of the fixing element 2 can be passed
through whereas the stop element 20 is too large and therefore
cannot pass through the opening hole 400. FIGS. 10 and 11 in
particular show this in detail.
[0152] Furthermore, it can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 that the two
stop plates 180 and 190 can be used for further fixing of the
airbag 80 by the two stop plates 180 and 190 being inserted into an
airbag covering through a slot 410.
[0153] FIG. 12 shows the airbag 80 after the fixing element 2 has
been passed through the opening 300 and has been "hung" in the
covering of the airbag module by the stop plates 180 and 190. FIG.
13 shows a different view of the resulting arrangement comprising
the fixing element 2 and the airbag 80.
[0154] The resulting arrangement shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can now
be fixedly latched to the support wall 40 by the opening 50 (cf.
FIGS. 3 to 8); the support wall 40 can be, for example, a motor
vehicle body.
[0155] FIG. 14 shows an installation tool 1 during the installation
of a fixing element in the form of a fastening clip 2 in a
receiving opening 31 of a sheet-metal part 3. In the illustration
of FIG. 14, the fastening clip 2 is already secured in the
receiving opening 31. The fastening clip 2 has, for fastening
purposes, bendable arms 23a, 23b which are connected to each other
via the closed end 22. Latching hooks 21 which engage behind part
of the sheet-metal part 3 and therefore latch to the receiving
opening 31 are situated on the free ends of the fastening arms 23a,
23b.
[0156] The installation tool 1 has a head 11 on which a guide prong
12 is arranged centrally as the guide shank and two stop prongs 13
are arranged in the outer region as stops. The head 11 of the
installation tool 1 is connected to a handle element 14 for
handling the installation tool 1.
[0157] The guide prong 12 serves to introduce a fastening clip into
a receiving opening. At its end connected to the head 11 of the
installation tool 1, it has a section 121 which is of conical
design and facilitates the introduction of the guide prong into the
fastening clip. A tapered portion 122 adjoins the conical section
121. The tapered portion 122 is designed in such a manner that the
latching hooks 21 of the fastening clip engage in the tapered
portion 122 before the fastening clip 2 is secured in the receiving
opening 21.
[0158] As a result, a connection of the fastening clip 2 to the
installation tool 1 is produced preventing the guide prong from
sliding out of the fastening clip 2 before the fastening clip 2 is
secured in the sheet-metal part 3. The state in which the latching
hooks 21 of the fastening clip 2 engage in the tapered portion 122
is not shown in FIG. 14, since the fastening clip 2 is already
secured in the receiving opening 31. In this case, the arms 23a,
23b are expanded to an extent such that the latching hooks 21 no
longer engage in the tapered portion 122 and the guide prong 12 of
the installation tool 1 can be pulled back out of the fastening
clip. The situation before the fastening clip is secured in the
receiving opening is illustrated in FIG. 15a.
[0159] The outer end 123 of the guide prong 12 is of flat design,
so that the fastening clip 2 can be placed conclusively by its
closed end 22 onto the guide prong 12. Once placed onto the guide
prong 12 to this extent, the fastening clip 2 is introduced into
the receiving opening 31 until the stop prongs 13 of the
installation tool 1 strike against the sheet-metal part.
[0160] In this case, the length of the stop prongs 13 is shortened
in comparison to the length of the guide prong 12 by the fitting
depth of the fastening clip 2. The fitting depth is composed here
of the thickness of the sheet-metal part 3 and the distance of the
latching hooks 21 from the closed end 22 of the fastening clip 2.
The securing position of the fastening clip 2 is therefore achieved
precisely whenever the stop prongs 13 are in contact with the
sheet-metal part 3. If appropriate, the length of the guide prong
12 can be selected to be somewhat larger, so that, when the stop
prongs strike against the sheet-metal part 3, the fastening clip 2
is always introduced to a sufficient depth into the receiving
opening 31. However, the length of the guide prong must not be
selected to be too large, since otherwise the fastening clip would
be introduced too far into the receiving opening and would possibly
be twisted.
[0161] The distance prongs 13 have feeling elements 131 which
register a striking of the stop prongs 13. The feeling pins 131 are
connected in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14 to switches
132 of an electronic switching circuit 133 which is integrated in
the head 11 of the installation tool. During striking of the stop
prongs 13, the switches 132 close the electric switching circuit
133. The closing of the switching circuit 133 causes an optical
display by a lamp or light-emitting diode 134. The feeling elements
can be designed here in such a manner that they are activated
directly when they make contact. Alternatively, it is possible
that, for activation, they first have to be pressed in by a certain
length.
[0162] Furthermore, there is an external evaluation unit 4 to which
an electric signal generated during the striking of the stop prongs
13 is transmitted. In this case, the evaluation unit 4 is designed
in such a manner that it emits an acoustic signal (via the
loudspeaker 41) as a function of the electric signal
transmitted.
[0163] In addition, the evaluating device has a recording unit 42
in which the electric signal transmitted by the electric switching
circuit 133 is stored. In particular, whether or by which of the
two feelers 131 an electric signal has been generated is stored. In
addition, the time of the generation of the electric signal or, for
example, a recognition of the fastening clip together with the
information transmitted by the electric switching circuit 133 can
be stored in order to document the installation of the fastening
clip 2.
[0164] FIGS. 15a and 15b show the operation when introducing a
fastening clip 2 into a receiving opening 31 with an installation
tool 1 according to a further embodiment. In a similar manner to
the installation tool of FIG. 14, the installation tool 1 has a
forked head 11 on which a guide prong 12 is arranged centrally and
two outer stop prongs 13 are arranged. The installation tool 1
likewise has a handle element 14 for guiding the installation tool
1.
[0165] A fastening clip 2 is placed onto the outer end 123 of the
guide prong 12. The fastening clip 2 again has latching hooks 21
which engage in a tapered portion 122 of the guide prong 12. This
prevents the guide prong 12 from being pulled out of the fastening
clip 2.
[0166] FIG. 15a shows the situation directly after the fastening
clip 2 has been introduced by the installation tool 1 into the
securing position in the receiving opening 31 of a sheet-metal part
3. As the fastening clip 2 is passed through the receiving opening
31, the side arms 23a, 23b of the fastening clip 2 are pressed
together by the edges of the receiving opening 31, so that the
latching hooks 21 remain in engagement with the tapered portion 122
of the guide prong 12. Only when the fastening clip 2 is introduced
into the receiving opening 31 until the latching hooks 21 have
passed through the opening 31 and engage behind the latter can the
side arms 23a, 23b of the fastening clip 2 bend apart, as a result
of which the latching hooks 21 are released from the tapered
portion 122 of the guide prong 12 and are secured in the receiving
opening 31.
[0167] The situation in which the latching hooks 21 of the
fastening clip 2 are passed through the receiving opening 31 of the
sheet-metal part 3 until they latch with the receiving opening 31
is shown in FIG. 15b. In this case, the edge of the receiving
opening 31 engages in a curvature 211 of the latching hooks 21,
thus producing a clip connection between the fastening clip 2 and
the sheet-metal part 3. In this position, in which the fastening
clip 2 is secured to the sheet-metal part 3, the arms 23a, 23b of
the fastening clip 2 are bent apart until they no longer engage in
a tapered portion 122 of the guide prong 12, with the result that
the latter can be pulled back out of the fastening clip 2.
[0168] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the testing tool for
testing the installation of a fastening clip. Analogously to the
embodiment of the installation tool of the preceding figures, a
testing tool 10 has a head 11 on which outer stop prongs 13 are
arranged which each have a feeling element 131 which registers the
striking of the particular stop prong against the sheet-metal part
3. Centrally with respect to the latter, however, instead of a
guide prong there is a testing shank 101 which, when testing the
position of an installed fastening clip, is introduced into the
latter. The testing shank 101 is of conical design, which
facilitates the introduction of the testing shank into the
fastening clip during the testing operation.
[0169] At its outer end, the testing shank 101 likewise has a
feeling element 124 which detects when the testing shank 101 makes
contact. With the feeling element 124 of the testing shank 101, a
striking of the outer end of the testing shank 101 against the
inside of the closed end of the installed clip 2 is registered. The
fitting position of the fastening clip 2 can therefore be
determined by the testing tool 1: in a similar manner to the
exemplary embodiment of the installation tool according to FIG. 14,
the lengths of the stop prongs 13 are shortened with respect to the
length of the testing shank 101 by the fitting depth of the
fastening clip 2.
[0170] The result of this is that, when the testing shank 101 is
introduced into a correctly installed fastening clip 2, both the
feeling element 124 of the testing shank 101 and the feeling
elements 131 of the two outer stop prongs 13 are activated, since
the stop prongs 13 and the testing shank 101 strike against the
fastening clip 2 and against the sheet-metal part 3, respectively.
If a fastening clip 2 is not correctly installed, for example in
the case of a clip which is arranged in a sloping manner in the
receiving opening 31 or is not introduced sufficiently far enough
into the latter, not all of the feeling elements would respond at
the same time.
[0171] Like the installation tool of FIG. 14, the testing tool 1
has an electronic switching circuit 133 which is integrated in the
head 11 of the testing tool 1 and generates an electric signal
depending on the position of the feeling elements 131, 124. The
electric signal activates a lamp element 134, so that, when all of
the feeling elements 131, 124 are activated simultaneously, the
said electric signal is displayed optically. Furthermore, the
electric signal generated by the switching circuit 131 as a
function of the activation of the feeling elements 131, 124 can be
transmitted to an external evaluation unit 4.
[0172] This evaluation unit 4 corresponds to the evaluation unit
illustrated in FIG. 14 and likewise has a loudspeaker 41 for the
acoustical conversion of the electric signal received, and a
storage unit 42. The electric signal of the switching circuit 133
can be stored in the storage unit 42, for example, together with
the time at which it was generated. As a result, the testing
operation carried out by the testing tool 1 can be documented.
Provision may be made for it to be registered whether or which of
the feeling elements 131, 124 were activated during the testing
operation. It is therefore stored in the evaluation unit whether
the tested fastening clip 2 was correctly installed. In addition,
the information transmitted from the electric switching circuit 133
to the evaluation unit 4 can be evaluated to the effect that it can
be determined which of the feeling elements 131, 124 arranged were
activated. As a result, if appropriate, it would only be possible
to ascertain that there is an erroneous installation but also it
would be possible to determine and document the type of erroneous
installation.
[0173] FIG. 17a shows a further embodiment of the testing tool. A
testing tool 10 has a testing pin 5 which is mounted at one end in
a spring 51 which exerts a restoring force on the testing pin 5.
The testing pin 5 and the spring 51 are parts of a distance meter.
The spring 51 is arranged in an opening 1101 of a head 11 of the
testing tool 10. The testing pin 5 protrudes with one end into the
opening 1101 and is connected there to the spring 51.
[0174] The testing tool 10 has stop prongs 13 which are brought
into contact with the sheet-metal part 3 in order to test the
installation of a fastening clip 2 mounted in a sheet-metal part 3.
As a result, the testing tool 10 is brought into a defined testing
position.
[0175] As the testing tool approaches the sheet-metal part 3, the
testing pin 5 is introduced into the fastening clip 2 through the
open side thereof. The outer end 52 of the testing pin 5 butts
against the inside of the closed end 22 of the fastening clip 2. As
a result, the testing pin 5 is moved in the direction of the
testing tool 10 and compresses the spring 51 connected to it.
[0176] That end of the testing pin 5 which is mounted in the spring
51 is connected to a registering unit 6 which registers and
displays the displacement of the testing pin 5. The distance meter
is therefore used to determine a displacement of the testing pin 5
relative to the stop prongs 13. With recognition of this
displacement, it is in turn possible to determine the actual
fitting depth of the fastening clip 2.
[0177] For example, the testing pin 5 can be set in the zero state,
i.e. before the testing operation, such that the testing pin 5
protrudes over the stop prongs 13 with a length which is larger
than the desired fitting depth of a fastening clip. This would be
the zero state of the testing tool 10. The registering unit 6 could
be calibrated with reference to a correctly installed fastening
clip; for example such that a zero is displayed when measuring a
correctly installed fastening clip.
[0178] A fastening clip introduced, for example, in a sloping
manner or not far enough into the receiving opening 31 of the
sheet-metal part 3 would lead to the testing pin 5 being pressed
further into the spring 51 during testing of the installation with
the testing tool 10, which would be displayed and registered by the
registering unit 6.
[0179] Furthermore, the registering unit 6 can generate an electric
signal as a function of the position of the testing pin 5, which
signal is transmitted to an external evaluating device 4. This
evaluation unit 4 corresponds to the evaluation units already shown
in FIGS. 14 and 16 and therefore will not be explained in more
detail at this point.
[0180] FIG. 17b shows a third variant of a testing tool. This
variant is based on the optical testing of the installation of a
fastening clip 2. In this case, a light-emitting diode 7 and a
photo diode 71 which together form an optical sensor element are
arranged on a head 11 of the testing tool 10. In addition, the head
11 of the testing tool 10 has distance prongs 13 which are brought
into contact with the sheet-metal part 3, in which the fastening
clip 2 is arranged, in order to test the installation position of
the fastening clip 2. This constitutes the reference position of
the testing tool 10 for testing the installation position of the
fastening clip 2.
[0181] If a fastening clip 2 is installed correctly, the light
emitted by the light-emitting diode 7 is reflected on the inside of
a closed end 22 of the installed fastening clip 2. This reflection
takes place in such a manner that the reflected light is received
by the photo diode 71, which is arranged at a distance from the
light-emitting diode 7. If the fitting position of the fastening
clip 2 to be tested deviates from the desired position, the light
emitted by the light-emitting diode 7 is no longer reflected
exactly in the direction of the photo diode 71.
[0182] Depending on the degree of erroneous installation, only some
of the reflected light reaches the photo diode 71 or it no longer
reaches the photo diode 71 at all. Therefore, by evaluation of the
photo diode signal, it can be determined whether the fastening clip
2 is installed correctly in the receiving opening 31 of the
sheet-metal part 3. The signal of the photo diode 71 can be
transmitted to an evaluation unit 4 in a manner analogous to the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17a. The evaluation unit 4 corresponds
to the evaluation unit already discussed in conjunction with FIGS.
14 and 16, and so it is not described more precisely at this point.
Suitable evaluation of the quantity of light emitted by the photo
diode also makes it possible, if appropriate, to determine the
degree or type of erroneous installation
[0183] FIGS. 18a and 18b show further modifications of the
installation tool. In this case, the arrangement of the
installation tools shown corresponds essentially to the embodiment
of FIG. 14. An installation tool 1 has a head 11 on which outer
distance prongs 13 and, centrally with respect to the latter, a
guide prong 12 are arranged. Furthermore, a handle element 14 is
provided for guiding the installation tool 1. In the embodiment of
FIG. 18a, the handle element 14 is formed cylindrically from a
metal. By contrast, the handle element 14 of FIG. 18b is formed
from wood.
[0184] FIG. 19a shows a detail from an airbag 1000. The airbag 1000
has a fastening tab 1100 in which a fastening opening 1200 through
which a fixing element in the form of a fastening clip 2 reaches is
arranged. The fastening clip 2 has a head 2100 which is widened in
relation to that section of the fastening clip 2 which is guided
through the fastening opening 1200. In particular, the fastening
clip can be the clip shown in FIG. 1. At its end facing away from
the head 2100, the fastening clip 2 has latching elements (not
illustrated) which latch in an opening of a holding element 3000.
By latching the fastening clip 2 to a holding element 3000, the
airbag 1000 is fixed to the holding element 3000. The holding
element can constitute, for example a section of a vehicle body or
a separate part which is connected to a vehicle body.
[0185] The airbag 1000 and therefore also the fastening tab 1100
has two layers of a textile material which are connected to each
other along a circumferential seam 1300. In the region of the
fastening tab 1100, anti-twist protection 4000 is arranged between
the airbag layers. The said anti-twist protection is concealed in
the illustration of FIG. 19a by the uppermost airbag layer. The
anti-twist protection 4000 is connected to the fastening tab 1100
via two seams 1400.
[0186] FIG. 19b shows the components of the airbag arrangement of
FIG. 19a, with it also being possible to see the anti-twist
protection 4000. The anti-twist protection 4000 has a rectangular
opening 4001 through which the fastening clip 2 for fastening the
airbag 1000 can be passed. The anti-twist protection 4000 is
connected to the fastening tab 1100 in such a manner that the
opening 4001 of the anti-twist protection 4000 and the fastening
opening 1200 of the fastening tab 1100 are aligned with each
other.
[0187] The opening 4001 of the anti-twist protection 4000 is of
rectangular design with dimensions corresponding to the fastening
clip 2 such that the clip 2 cannot be twisted in the opening 4001.
The anti-twist protection 4000 is formed from a flat plastics
material and has a thickened portion on its edge 4200 and on the
edge of the opening 4001 for reinforcement purposes.
[0188] FIGS. 20a and 20b show an airbag arrangement similar to the
airbag arrangement of FIGS. 19a, 19b. One difference is that the
anti-twist protection 4000 additionally has a section 4300 which
protrudes over the fastening tab 1100 and can be folded over
towards the fastening tab 1100. This makes it possible for the
additional section 4300 of the anti-twist protection 4000 to be
able to be folded over onto the head of a fastening clip during the
installation of the airbag 1000. A fastening clip is not
illustrated in the illustration of FIG. 20a.
[0189] However, FIG. 20b shows the airbag arrangement of FIG. 20a
after installation. A fastening clip 2 (illustrated by dashed
lines) is passed both through the fastening opening of the
fastening tab 1100 and through the opening of the anti-twist
protection. To fit the airbag 1000, the fastening clip 2 is pressed
into a receiving opening (not illustrated) arranged in a holding
element 3000. This takes place by pressure being exerted manually
onto the head 2100 of the fastening clip 2. In order to protect the
installation person from injuries, the additional section 4300 of
the anti-twist protection 4000 is folded over onto the head 2100 of
the fastening clip 2 and pressure is exerted on the fastening clip
via the section 4300. This simplifies the pressing in of the clip 2
and avoids the installation person from cutting himself on sharp
edges of the head 2100 of the fastening clip 2.
[0190] FIG. 21a shows a further variant of the airbag arrangement.
In this case, analogously to the variant of FIGS. 19a, 19b, an
airbag 1000 is connected to a holding element 3000 via a fastening
tab 1100. The connection takes place by a fastening clip 2 which is
passed through a fastening opening 1200 of the fastening tab 1100.
The fastening clip has already been discussed in conjunction with
FIGS. 19a, 19b, and so it is not explained further at this
point.
[0191] Anti-twist protection 4000 through which the fastening clip
2 reaches is again arranged on the fastening tab 1100. For this
purpose, analogously to the anti-twist protection of FIGS. 19a,
19b, the anti-twist protection 4000 has a rectangular opening which
is designed in a corresponding manner to the cross section of the
fastening clip 2, so that the latter cannot rotate in the opening
4001 of the anti-twist protection 4000.
[0192] The difference from the embodiment of FIGS. 19a, 19b is that
a pocket into which the anti-twist protection 4000 is pushed is
formed in the fastening tab 1100 by seams 1400. When the fastening
clip 2 is installed, the anti-twist protection 4000 is then fixed
together with the airbag 1000 on the holding element 3000.
[0193] FIG. 21b shows the components of FIG. 21a before
installation. The arrow A indicates how the anti-twist protection
4000 is pushed into the pocket 16 formed by the seams 1400. In this
case, the opening 4001 in the anti-twist protection 4000 is
arranged in such a manner that it is aligned with the fastening
opening 1200 of the fastening tab 1100 when the anti-twist
protection 4000 is pushed into the fastening tab 1100.
[0194] The arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 22a, 22b corresponds to
the airbag arrangement of FIGS. 21a, 21b with the difference that
anti-twist protection 4000 is provided which, analogously to the
embodiment of FIGS. 20a, 20b additionally has a foldable section
4300.
[0195] As FIG. 22b shows the foldable section 4300 can be folded
over onto the head 2100 of the fastening clip 2 (illustrated by
dashed lines). This serves, as already described in conjunction
with FIG. 20b, to facilitate the pressing in of the fastening clip
2 during installation and to provide protection for the fingers
during manual installation of the fastening clip.
[0196] FIG. 23a constitutes a third variant of the airbag
arrangement. An airbag 1000 likewise has a fastening tab 1100.
However, in contrast to the embodiments of the preceding figures,
the fastening tab 1100 is formed by folding over a longer tab
formed on the airbag 1000. In this case, the free end 151 of the
tab 15 is folded over in the direction of the airbag 1000, thus
producing a reinforced fastening tab 1100. The tab 15 has two
fastening openings 1200a, 1200b which, after the free end 151 is
folded over, are aligned with each other and produce a fastening
opening 1200 in the fastening tab 1100.
[0197] The airbag arrangement of FIG. 23a likewise has anti-twist
protection 4000 which is arranged between the folded-over section
152 and the not-folded-over section 153 of the tab 15. In the
illustration of FIG. 23a, the anti-twist protection 4000 is
concealed by the folded-over section 152.
[0198] The production of a fastening tab 1100 by folding over can
be seen more clearly in FIG. 23b. The longer tab 15 of the airbag
1000 is shown here before being folded over. To produce the
reinforced fastening tab 1100, the free end 151 of the tab 15 is
folded over along a folding edge 154 on a section 153 of the tab
15.
[0199] The anti-twist protection 4000 is inserted between the two
sections 152, 153 of the tab 15, so that, after the folding-over
operation, it is situated between the two main layers of the
fastening tab 1100. The opening 4001 in the anti-twist protection
4000 is arranged in such a manner that it is aligned with the two
openings 1200a, 1200b of the tab 15 after the free end 151 of the
tab 15 is folded over. The anti-twist protection 4000 inserted
between the main layers 152, 153 of the tab 15 is illustrated in
FIG. 23c.
[0200] The third variant of the airbag arrangement illustrated in
FIGS. 23a to 23c can have, in a manner similar to the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b, anti-twist protection
4000 which forms an additional tab 4300 which can be folded over as
protection for the fingers. This is shown in FIGS. 24a to 24c. FIG.
24b shows how the anti-twist protection 4000 of FIG. 24a is
arranged on the tab 15. The arrangement of the anti-twist
protection 4000 takes place in such a manner that, after the free
end 151 of the tab 15 is folded over, the section 4300 of the
anti-twist protection 4000 protrudes out of the fastening tab 1100
produced by the folding-over operation. The section 4300 can now be
folded from the bottom upwards onto the head of a fastening clip 2,
thus producing protection for the fingers in a similar manner to
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b. This is shown
in FIG. 24c.
[0201] A fourth variant of the airbag arrangement according to an
embodiment is shown in FIGS. 25a, 25b. In this case, in contrast to
the preceding embodiment, anti-twist protection 4000 is not
fastened directly to a fastening tab 1100 of an airbag 1000. On the
contrary, the anti-twist protection 4000 is sewn to the airbag 1000
by the circumferential seam 1300. For this purpose, the anti-twist
protection 4000 extends beyond the fastening tab 1100, so that it
can be connected in one working step together with the sewing of
the airbag layers to the airbag 1000 by the circumferential seam
1300. A view of the anti-twist protection 4000 sewn to the airbag
is shown in FIG. 25b. The fastening clip for fastening the airbag
1000 to a holding element is not shown in this illustration.
[0202] Also in the fourth embodiment of the airbag arrangement,
anti-twist protection can be provided which additionally has a
section which can be folded over and serves to produce protection
for the fingers during installation of a fastening clip. This is
illustrated in FIGS. 26a, 26b. Analogously to the embodiments of
FIGS. 20a, 20b and 22a, 4b, anti-twist protection 4000 has a
section 4300 which can be folded over. The section 4300 protrudes
beyond the free end of the fastening tab 1100 of the airbag 1000
and can be folded over onto the head 2100 of a fastening clip
guided through an opening 4001 of the anti-twist protection
4000.
[0203] The variant in which the anti-twist protection is sewn to
the airbag by a circumferential seam is shown once again in FIG.
27a as a schematic view from above. It can be seen here that the
fastening opening 1200 formed in a fastening tab 1100 of the airbag
1000, is shaped in a circular manner while the opening 4001 of the
anti-twist protection 4000 is of rectangular design. The effect
achieved by the rectangular shape of the opening 4001 of the
anti-twist protection 4000 is that a fastening clip (not
illustrated) passed both through the fastening opening 1200 and
through the opening 4001 cannot be twisted.
[0204] A further possibility of connecting anti-twist protection
4000 to a fastening tab 1100 of an airbag 1000 is shown in FIG. 27b
in a view from above. In this case, the anti-twist protection 4000
is sewn to the fastening tab 1100 by a seam 1400 running in the
region of the said fastening tab 1100. In this case, the anti-twist
protection 4000 is arranged with respect to the fastening tab 1100
in such a manner that the opening 4001 of the anti-twist protection
4000 is aligned with the fastening opening 1200 of the fastening
tab 1100.
[0205] FIGS. 28a, 28b show a further embodiment of an anti-twist
protection. The anti-twist protection is designed here as a holder
4100 which has an opening 401 through which a fastening clip 2
reaches. The holder 4100 is formed from two parts 402 and 403 which
are connected to each other rotatably at one end. The respective
free ends 402a, 403a of the two parts 402, 403 can be connected to
each other with the aid of the fastening clip 2. A folded airbag
(package) can be inserted and held between the two parts 402, 403
of the holder 4100. To insert the airbag (not illustrated), the
holder 4100 is swung open and, after the airbag is inserted, the
two free ends 402a and 403a are connected by the fastening clip 2.
This fixes the folded airbag in the holder 4100.
[0206] With the aid of the latching elements 2500 of the fastening
clip 2, the holder can be connected, for example, to the vehicle
body or to a further holding element connected to the vehicle body.
In this case, the latching elements 2500 of the fastening clip 2
latch in a corresponding receiving opening. A folded airbag can
therefore be prefitted in the holder 4100. For the final
installation, the fastening clip 2 is then merely pressed into the
corresponding receiving openings, for example, in a vehicle
body.
[0207] The opening 401 arranged in the holder 4100 is designed to
correspond to the fastening clip 2 in such a manner that the latter
cannot be twisted in the opening 401. The holder 4100 therefore
serves at the same time as anti-twist protection, so that a
prefitted fastening clip is always in the correct position before
the installation and does not first have to be rotated into the
correct position by the installation person. FIG. 28b shows the
holder of FIG. 28a in a different perspective.
[0208] FIG. 29 shows a modification of an anti-twist protection
designed as a holder. A holder 4100 has a clamp-like region 4200
into which a folded airbag (not illustrated) can be inserted and
held. Furthermore, the holder 4100 has a fastening opening 401
through which a fastening clip 2 can be guided. By use of the
fastening clip 2, an airbag arranged in the holder can be fastened
to the holder 4100. At the same time, the fastening clip 2 can be
used to fasten the holder to a further part, in particular to a
vehicle body, or to a part connected to a vehicle body. The opening
401 here is again designed in a corresponding manner to the cross
section of the fastening clip 2 such that the latter cannot be
twisted in the opening 401.
[0209] FIG. 30 shows a further modification of an anti-twist
protection designed as a holder. Analogously to the embodiment of
FIGS. 28a, 28b, a holder 4100 has two parts 402, 403 which are
connected foldably to each other. When folded together, the two
parts 402, 403 surround a folded airbag 1000 and therefore hold the
latter in position. Furthermore, the holder 4100 has an opening 401
for the passage of a fastening clip 2. The opening 401 corresponds
to the openings of FIGS. 28a, 28b and 29, i.e. serves analogously
as anti-twist protection for the fastening clip 2 guided through
the opening 401.
[0210] In addition, the holder 4100 of FIG. 30 has a tab 420 which
is connected movably to the part 403. In particular, the tab 420
can be folded in such a manner that it can be folded onto the head
2100 of the fastening clip 2. The tab 420 therefore serves as
protection for the fingers and can be used in order to press in the
fastening clip 2 during the installation of the holder 4100 into a
receiving opening, for example, of a vehicle body. The function of
protection for the fingers has already been discussed in
conjunction with the preceding exemplary embodiments and so is not
discussed again at this point.
[0211] FIG. 31 shows a further variant for providing protection for
the fingers on a holder with anti-twist protection. In this case, a
holder 4100 for holding an airbag 1000 has, in a similar manner to
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 30, a tab 420 which can be folded
over onto the head 2100 of a fastening clip 2. However, in contrast
to FIG. 30, the tab 420 for the protection for the fingers is not
formed on the edge of a part of the holder 4100. On the contrary,
the tab 420 is cut out of the part 403 of the holder 4100, which
simplifies the production of a corresponding holder. A holder of
this type is advantageously formed from a dimensionally stable
material, in particular from an injection-moulded plastic part.
[0212] FIG. 32 shows a further modification of a holder with
anti-twist protection. It can be seen that a holder 4100 again has
two parts 402 and 403 which, when folded together, surround and
therefore hold a folded airbag in the manner of a clip. The part
402 has an opening 401 through which a fastening clip 2 is guided.
A fastening tab 1100 of the airbag 1000 has a fastening opening
1200 through which the fastening clip 2 is likewise guided and
therefore additionally fixes the fastening tab 1100 and hence the
airbag 1000 to the holder 4100.
[0213] The head 2100 of the fastening clip 2 rests on the fastening
tab 1100. The part 402 of the holder 4100 has latching structures
4021 which can latch into openings 4031 arranged and formed in a
corresponding manner in the part 403. The two free ends of the
parts 402, 403 can therefore be connected via a clip connection and
the airbag 1000 can be fixed in the holder 4100. The airbag is
additionally surrounded by a protective covering 5000 which has an
opening 5100 from which the fastening tab 1100 of the airbag 1000
protrudes.
[0214] The three German priority applications: DE 20 2004 014 219.8
filed Sep. 6, 2004, DE 20 2005 019 867.6 filed Dec. 16, 2005, and
DE 20 2006 000 846.2 filed Jan. 17, 2006, are all incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
[0215] Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in
the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art
from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the
present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the
present invention. The scope of the present invention is to be
defined as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *